Skip to content

Tunnel Hill Trail Virtual Cache

Hidden : 12/13/2001
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   virtual (virtual)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

In order to claim this cache you need to count the number of steps on both ends of the Paw Paw Tunnel. These steps lead up to the top to an observation area.

About the tunnel: Portions of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal had been operating nearly 20 years before the completion of the Paw Paw Tunnel which opened the final link between Georgetown and Cumberland Md. Engineers said a tunnel directly through the mountain was the best alternative to a winding 6 mile stretch of the Potomac River known as the Paw Paw Bends. The orginal contract called for completion of the tunnel in 2 years. Instead it took 14 years from 1836 to 1850. Original estimates set the cost of construction at 33,500. instead it cost over 600,000. At times the work slowed or stopped entirely because of labor problems and lack of funds. But when finally finished the 3,118 foot brick lined tunnel was the largest and most impressive structure on the canal. An optimistic Lee Montgomery, had estimated progress at 7 to 8 feet per day; but his full crew working three shifts a day advanced only 10 to 12 feet a week.

Cautions: Towpath surface is uneven. Bring a flashlight and use the guardrail as a guide Look for steps outside these step do not have a hand rail be very careful when going up these steps. Weep Holes - spaces in the tunnel lining to allow drainage from behind the almost 6 million bricks.

Directions: From Interstate 70 at Hancock Maryland take route 522 south to Berkley Springs, West Virginia. Turn right on Route 9 and drive 28 miles to the town of Paw Paw. Cross the Potomac River Bridge into Maryland (Route 9 becomes Route 51) to the sign on the right . From Cumberland take Interstate 68 at Cumberland, Md taking Exit 43B to Route 51 south for 28 miles to the park sign on the left after the bridge.

Facilities: Parking, Potable toilets, Picnic tables and Grills.. Camping for one night only. Tunnel and Tunnel Hill Trail not recommended for wheelchairs. This is directed to those individuals who are involved with http://www.Letterboxing.org/wv Please note the following. From the parkinglot go to the old building and walk around back. From there find the trail that leads up to the tow path and take that to the tunnel. Enter the tunnel. (Did you bring a flashlight? You might need one.) When youcome out of the tunnel continue on to where the trail you are on merges with a trail going back over the top of the tunnel. Make a hairpin turn and go up that trail about 14 steps frm the trail # 14 marker. Stop and look to your left for a blazed tree. The box is there under the slate. Did you notice that the tunnel and path from the tunnel build in the middle of an ANTICLINE? Notice how the rocks form an arach over the tunnel. Enjoy your hike back over the tunnel.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Or irel pnershy jura tbvat hc gur fgrcf. Lbh jvyy arrq gb pbhag gur ahzore bs fgrcf yrnqvat hc gb gur bofreingvba qrpx ba obgu raqf bs gur Cnj Cnj Ghaary.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)